A look back: UAW, Detroit auto workers and labor relations

Once again Michigan Radio’s political analyst Jack Lessenberry unleashes his knowledge of Michigan history. This time we get a historical perspective about negotiations between the United Auto Workers and Detroit automakers.

Contract talks have already started between the UAW and General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. But these talks are a little different this time around.

General Motors and Chrysler both emerged from bankruptcy in the past year and the unions agreed not to strike those two automakers in a previous contract. So far, both sides appear to be approaching these negotiations with optimism. Lessenberry talks about what these negotiations were like back in the day.